Affordable Health Insurance in Minnesota

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Minnesota Health Insurance Fast Facts

$530

Average monthly savings with subsidies in Minnesota

140K+

Minnesota residents enrolled in marketplace plans (2025)

Insurance carriers offering coverage in Minnesota (2026)

4.9%

Uninsured rate in Minnesota (below national average)

Health Insurance in Minnesota: Your Complete Guide

Finding affordable health insurance in Minnesota is easier than ever with the health insurance marketplace. Whether you're looking for cheap health insurance, comprehensive medical insurance, or exploring the health insurance marketplace, Minnesota residents have access to quality coverage options through MNsure, the state-run exchange.

Understanding the Minnesota Health Insurance Marketplace

The health insurance marketplace in Minnesota operates through MNsure, the state-run exchange that helps residents compare health insurance quotes and enroll in affordable health insurance plans. The marketplace offers medical insurance from 5 carriers, ensuring you can find cheap health insurance that meets your needs and budget.

Minnesota expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, providing health insurance coverage to more low-income residents. This expansion has helped reduce the state's uninsured rate to 4.9%, well below the national average.

Average Health Insurance Costs in Minnesota

For a 40-year-old, Silver health insurance plans in Minnesota average $730 per month before subsidies, while a 21-year-old pays around $560 monthly. However, most Minnesota residents qualify for subsidies that significantly reduce these costs—the average monthly savings is $530. About 86% of marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits.

How to Save on Health Insurance in Minnesota

Minnesota residents have multiple ways to reduce their medical insurance costs and find affordable health insurance. Here are proven strategies to save on your health insurance marketplace coverage:

1. Premium Tax Credits

Minnesota residents earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level may qualify for premium tax credits. On average, Minnesota residents save $530 per month through these enhanced subsidies. These credits automatically reduce your monthly health insurance premium when you enroll through the health insurance marketplace.

2. Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSR)

If your income is no more than 250% of the federal poverty level, you may qualify for cost-sharing reductions. CSRs help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for medical insurance, making your affordable health insurance even more budget-friendly. In 2025, 50% of Minnesota marketplace enrollees selected plans with CSR benefits.

3. Compare All Metal Tiers

When comparing health insurance quotes, calculate total costs including premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. Sometimes a higher-tier plan provides better value for frequent healthcare users. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums but highest deductibles, while Gold and Platinum plans cost more monthly but offer lower costs when you need care.

4. Consider HMO Plans

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans typically feature lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs compared to PPO plans. While coverage options may be more restricted, HMOs offer cheap health insurance for those who don't mind staying in-network and obtaining referrals for specialists.

5. Medicaid Eligibility

Over 900K Minnesota residents are enrolled in Medicaid, which provides affordable health insurance or free medical insurance for those who qualify. Check your eligibility through MNsure—you may be surprised to find you qualify for this comprehensive health insurance coverage.

Minnesota Health Insurance FAQs

When is open enrollment for health insurance in Minnesota?

Open enrollment for the Minnesota health insurance marketplace runs from November 1 to January 15 each year. This is when most Minnesota residents can compare health insurance quotes and enroll in affordable health insurance or change their medical insurance plans for the upcoming year. If you miss this window, you'll need a qualifying life event to access a special enrollment period.

How much does health insurance cost in Minnesota?

The average cost of health insurance in Minnesota varies by age, location, and plan type. For a 40-year-old, Silver plans average $730 per month before subsidies, while a 21-year-old pays around $560 monthly. However, most Minnesota residents qualify for subsidies that significantly reduce these costs—the average monthly savings is $530. When shopping for cheap health insurance, remember that Bronze plans have lower premiums but higher deductibles, while Gold and Platinum plans cost more monthly but offer lower out-of-pocket costs for medical care.

What is MNsure?

MNsure is the state's health insurance marketplace where Minnesota residents can compare health insurance quotes, apply for affordable health insurance, and enroll in medical insurance plans. It's a state-run exchange that offers plans from 5 major insurance carriers. MNsure also helps determine if you qualify for premium tax credits, cost-sharing reductions, or Medicaid. The platform makes it easy to find cheap health insurance that meets your healthcare needs and budget.

Do I qualify for free health insurance in Minnesota?

You may qualify for free or very low-cost health insurance through Minnesota Medicaid if your income is at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four in 2026, that's approximately $42,780 annually. Children may qualify for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) with higher income limits. Use the MNsure website to check your eligibility for affordable health insurance programs.

What's the difference between HMO and PPO health insurance plans in Minnesota?

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans typically offer cheaper health insurance with lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs, but you must stay within the plan's network and get referrals to see specialists. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans cost more but provide greater flexibility—you can see out-of-network providers and don't need referrals for specialists. When comparing health insurance quotes on the Minnesota health insurance marketplace, consider your healthcare usage patterns. If you rarely see doctors and want affordable health insurance, an HMO might be ideal. If you want maximum flexibility and don't mind higher premiums, a PPO offers more freedom.

How do premium tax credits work in Minnesota?

Premium tax credits are subsidies that make health insurance more affordable for Minnesota residents earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. For 2026, that's roughly $15,060 to $60,240 for an individual, or $31,200 to $124,800 for a family of four. These credits are applied directly to your monthly health insurance premium, reducing what you pay out of pocket. Minnesota residents save an average of $530 per month through these enhanced subsidies. When you apply for coverage through the health insurance marketplace, MNsure automatically calculates your eligibility and shows you the reduced premium for affordable health insurance plans.

Compare health insurance quotes from Minnesota’s top providers:

Blue Cross Blue Shield Minnesota

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Aetna

Cigna

UnitedHealthcare

Humana